Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Ariens Tractor/Snowblower, drive pulley, spline shaft

Question
John,

I have an Ariens 931 series tractor (GT19, Mod 931026) with 48" snowblower attachment model 831025. This year it started exhibiting a new problem.(Its had plenty in the past) When blowing snow under just a moderate load, the tractor RPMs are pulled way down or to a stall. Turning off the PTO, the tractor starts. Then engaging the PTO again usually gets everything moving. Sometimes, after restarting and engaging the PTO, it stalls again immediately. A few tries will free it up again until I start blowing snow. So, obviously something is putting a huge load on the engine. I have not been able to catch it in the locked up condition in my shop to analysis it.

I suspect it is the blower attachment. I did find the PTO output pulley on the front of the engine somewhat stiff to turn but it works fine without attachment and the PTO spline shaft (at bottom) is very free (replaced last year). I did note that if I try to hold back the auger and turn the input pulley to the blower, it tends to get pretty tight and bind. By the way, it does not bind if I turn it opposite to the normal direction of rotation while holding back on the auger. So, I think maybe the gears might be worn. One other thing I note is that the input shaft to the auger gearbox has some play in/out. I know there is an adjusting plug at the back of the gear case but I do not now what the proper adj is or do I have a tool to adj it. I suspect I could make a tool or buy one.

Right now, I am trying to disassemble using the brief instructions in the service manual I found online. I am stuck trying to remove the large drive pulley on the outside of the blower housing. The parts diagrams suggest it has no pins or setscrews but I am at a loss for getting it off the input shaft.  

OK... my questions...

Do you think the blower attachment is the likely problem?
Might I fix it by just adjusting the play in the input shaft of the gearbox?
Where can I buy a wrench to adj the bearing plug?
What is the proper adj for above?
Any suggestions for removing the drive pulley?

Thanks for any help in advance!!!

Jim

Answer
Hello Jim:

From your Description it Sounds like the Worm and Gear are Binding. This is Usually Caused by Wear. You can Try Adjusting the Worm Gear Shaft so the Play is No More than 1/8" in and Out Play. If the Binding becomes Worse, then the Worm and the Gear are Worn too Much and Require Replacing. Most Times you can Purchase/Order a Spanner Wrench (I have an Adjustable Spanner Wrench that will Opens from 1/2" Diameter to 5" Diameter) that will Fit this Adjuster Nut at your Local Small Engine Service Center or Automotive Parts Retailer. The Pulley is Keyed or Splined to the Shaft. Use Plenty of Penetrating Oil (I Use PB Rust Cataylist) and Allow the Penetrating Oil to Soak in. Tapping Lightly on the Center of the Pulley where ir Slides Onto the Shaft will Help the Penetrating Oil Penetrate. You May have to Use Heat to Remove the Pulley. Once the Components are Removed and Before Assembling, Use never Seize on All the Metal to Metal Components so this Problem will Not Occur Next Time Maintenance is Performed. The Never Seize Helps Prevent Rusting and Seizing of the Pulley to the Shaft. You can View a Breakdown of the Mower at this Site Addy; http://www.jackssmallengines.net/parts.asp and Select Shop Online Parts Look Up. The Select the Model Tab. Then Select the OEM (Ariens) and Enter the Model Numbers (Example: 831025). Then Double Click on the Model in the Results Area. Select the Sectional File. Now you can View the Section of the Mower that Pertains to this Repair. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John